Mariental Namibia

Service Centre for
the vast farming area of Hardap Region of central Namibia.

Main Street

Pig on the B1 ?

There's not much to do or see in the town of
Mariental. However, there are good vehicle repair and tyre depots and a
good selection of accommodation. If you're heading east to the Kalahari
or west to the Namib, you could also stock up with supplies here before
your journey.

he Hardap Dam Resort:

The Hardap Dam
near Mariental is the largest dam in Namibia. Building commenced in 1960 and the
dam, which lays across the upper reaches of the Fish River, was commissioned in
1963. The dam covers an area of 25 square kilometres and has a capacity of 320
million cubic meters.

When the dam reaches 110% of its capacity the sluice gates are opened
allowing up to 5,500 cubic metres of water per second to be discharged. The
dam is flanked on both sides by the 25,000hsa Hardap Game Park and Hardap
Resort which makes for a popular stay over place for holiday makers and
travellers.

Hardap Scenery

Hardap Dam Wall

The Restaurant

Fantastic View

The Animals: The Game Reserve is on the
southern side of the dam. The drive routes offer picturesque views
of the dam and area. Here you can see Gemsbok, Hartmann's
Zebra, Kudu, Ostrich, Springbok and Steenbok.

The Birds:The Hardap dam area has attracted many
species of birds and the islands have become popular breeding
sanctuaries for one of Namibia's largest colonies of Greater White
Pelicans (over 800 birds have been counted). You'll definitely hear
the cry of the Fish Eagle here, and see Flamingos, Goliath Herons,
Ospreys, Reed Cormorants and many other types of birds.

The Fish: Hardap Dam is a popular competition
venue for Namibia's fresh water anglers. You can catch fare sized,
Bass, Barbel, Carp or Yellow-Fish here. Permits can be bought at the
office.

In 2006 the district experienced good rains which on the
flat landscape wash-off into the Fish River. The Hardap Dam levels
rose dramatically to a point where the sluice-gates had to be
opened. The drainage area of the river after the dam wall had an
accumulation of reeds etc. which impeded the high flow rate of water
coming form the dam. The Fish River overflowed its banks and the
town of Mariental suffered a major flood disaster from which it has
not yet fully recovered.

National Park Entrance Fees Payable to the Ministry
of Environment and Tourism for each day you are in the park as from 1 July
2005. The Hardap Resort is Managed and Operated by Namibia Wildlife Resorts